Kavrepalanchowk: The construction cost of the Sunkoshi-Third hydroelectricity project is estimated to be Rs 160 billion, the Department of Electricity Development said.

A feasibility study conducted by the department has estimated the cost of construction of the 636 megawatts reservoir-type project. The feasibility study of the project is in the final stage, it is said.

The department's engineer Subas Thapaliya said preparations have been completed for the draft report including the design drawing, geological survey, topography survey, estimated project cost, environmental impact assessment (EIA), and the biological, economic, and social study of the project. "The study shows that the estimated cost of the project will be Rs 160 billion," he said.

The department has written to the government of the project-affected local units in the district, soliciting their inputs and feedback on the draft report after carrying out the feasibility study. The Khandadevi and Sunapati Rural Municipalities of Ramechhap and the Sunkoshi Rural Municipality of Sindhuli district will give their suggestions on the draft report.

"The report will be forwarded to the Ministry of Forests and Environment after the local governments give their feedback," Thapaliya said.

According to him, the EIA-related works are also being carried out. The department has organized public hearings in four districts of the project-affected region in this connection. The individuals and institutions concerned gave their suggestions regarding various aspects of the project. The public hearings were held in Kavrepalanchowk, Sindhupalchowk, Ramechhap, and Sindhuli districts.

People of three rural municipalities and two municipalities of Sindhupalchowk district, three rural municipalities and two municipalities of Kavrepalanchowk district, two rural municipalities of Ramechhap district, and one rural municipality of Sindhuli district will be affected by the project.